E104: Transforming Youth Mentorship Through Culinary Arts with Catherine De Orio

Episode notes

In this episode of the Lead with Heart Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Catherine De Orio, executive director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts, Emmy Award-winning TV host, and culinary changemaker, who is transforming the way youth find their voice and future through food. From courtroom to kitchen, Catherine’s journey is one of purpose, pivoting, and passionate leadership. Together, we explore how culinary arts can be a powerful vehicle for vocational training, mentorship, and confidence-building, especially for under-resourced youth. In this episode: [02:43] From litigator to culinary leader: Catherine’s career pivot [05:21] The Foundation for Culinary Arts and the Yes Chef Culinary Camp [08:34] The value of networking [10:32] Career opportunities in the culinary world [14:12] Nonprofit leadership lessons [18:02] The barriers young chefs face [22:12] Listening to youth feedback to evolve programming [26:53] Personal branding and authenticity in the culinary world [29:03] Seizing imperfect opportunities